Head coach Ruben Amorim says that changing Manchester United's tactical system due to public pressure would have meant "the end" for him.
Initially against Newcastle United, Amorim abandoned his usual three-at-the-back formation with wide defenders and opted to field an orthodox back four shielded by two defensive midfielders.
Amorim acknowledged this ultimately transformed into a six-man defensive block in the closing minutes as his squad held on for a win - securing just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
While he once notably remarked that not even the highest authority could pressure him to tweak his system, Amorim maintains the capacity to utilize alternative setups has always been part of his strategy.
Yet, he emphasizes he could solely make the switch when his team were faring well enough - lest it would appear as if he was bowing to outside noise.
"When I arrived here last season, I realized perhaps I lacked the squad to excel in a back three, but it was the beginning of a journey," he stated.
"Our aim was to forge an philosophy. Currently is a distinct juncture. We don't have a full complement of personnel, and we have to adjust, so they see the reason we are switching things up.
"This isn't because of the demands of journalists, or the fans.
"When the press discuss altering the formation constantly, I can't make a change because the squad will believe I'm altering things because of external voices and I believe that is the downfall for the coach.
"Only when we are playing well in our preferred setup, that is the right time to change.
"We are going to develop into a more complete side because when all the personnel return, we are not going to employ a back three all the time."
Availability Issues Persist
With only two wins in eight games prior to beating Newcastle, it is questionable whether Amorim is correct to say his team have been playing well.
He is, however, managing with a depleted roster, with seven senior players already unavailable for the upcoming home game against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.
That figure will increase if midfielder Mason Mount is unable to shake off the knock that forced his exit from the Newcastle game at the interval.
Skipper Bruno Fernandes is among those who will miss the Wolves clash, even though he is understood to be urging his boss to let him to return after his muscle problem.
"Bruno is already saying he needs to train," revealed Amorim. "But there is no chance he is going to feature against Wolves. No chance. That's definitive."
Fernandes' Role Endures
Nevertheless, the Portuguese star will probably still be heavily involved, as while most unavailable players view matches from a private box, Fernandes was spotted keeping a close eye on the warm-ups from the mouth of the tunnel before the Newcastle game.
Amorim expects his captain to continue offering insight.
"The guy is a leader," he affirmed. "He cannot be the type of player that when he is absent, he's not talking and offering advice. He's always communicating. That is the reason he's the captain.
"He has flaws at times - the way he gesticulates - but he has a lot of positive qualities. Even after he recovers, he goes to observe the other guys training. There are a lot of things you don't see.
"I don't know if he wants my job or not, but he's a leader. He is a true captain."
Return Timeline for Key Players
While the precise timeline for Fernandes' return - and that of fellow unavailable players like Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire - is unknown, before the conclusion of January, United will welcome back Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo from international competition.
